The 2022 Medscape Physician Suicide Report shows that physicians, compared to the general public, have double the rate of suicides.

 Amna Shabbir, a doctor of internal medicine, felt compelled to voice her horror in a KevinMd article when she saw an announcement of “another bright and incredible physician who took her own life.” This act only added to the current wave of physician deaths by suicide. Dr. Shabbir admits feeling “numb with horror” after reading the details.

The majority of these professionals do not have a prior record of mental illness. Why then?

Are new circumstances in play that are creating an atmosphere of pressure pushing these professionals to the edge?

 Is it an Epidemic?

Dr. Shabbir is shocked at what she believes is a society that has become callous to the news of physician suicide.

Another shocking statistic is that among medical students, the suicide rate triples compared to their peers. Suicide is listed as the second cause of residents’ deaths.

The rate spikes to a 400% higher suicide risk for female physicians compared to other professions.

Physical and Emotional Needs

Dr. Shabbir reminds us that doctors are expected to suppress their emotional and physical needs. This lesson is engrained early in their careers. They must ignore thirst, hunger, and sleeplessness while making decisions affecting their patients.

The doctor questions how medical students can be empathetic while at the same time not displaying their emotions. That includes personal emotions and the suffering felt by their patients.

The Right Time to Start a Family

Female physicians are seldom able to find an appropriate time to begin raising a family. In addition, there are many challenges throughout the postpartum period. This is exacerbated by paternity and maternity leaves that are suboptimal and at times unpaid.

Dr. Shabbir feels that the medical field lacks advocates for physicians while at the same time expecting physicians to be advocates for their patients. She is of the belief that these expectations are crushing the morale of physicians and medical students.

The Doctor’s Remedies

Admittedly, this is a complex issue. Dr. Shabbir suggests that one approach would be for physicians to speak openly about the subject and:

• Begin by acknowledging that doctor suicide is approaching epidemic proportions
• Supervisory Boards should avoid language that prevents physicians from requesting assistance for mental health issues
• Leadership should consist of experienced physicians enabling them to provide counseling, and therapy, and acknowledge their needs
• Leadership should involve measuring the physician’s job satisfaction, and retention percentage (turnover rate)
• Parental leave and policies regarding postpartum issues should be re-evaluated
• Paid time off as well as sick leave should be reviewed
• Patient satisfaction involves a reverse scenario, especially in large hospital systems where the patient inquires about wellness initiatives pertaining to their doctors. When good doctors are neglected, it impacts their patients
• Medical trainees should receive relevant education regarding suicide risks, signs, and when to seek help.
• And lastly, physicians should have constant wellness support such as therapy, coaching, and counseling beginning with medical school and throughout their medical careers.

Dr. Shabbir expects varied feedback from medical professionals as they read her suggestions to reduce physician suicide. She encourages readers to speak up and not allow these emotions to remain buried. She emphasizes that “your opinions matter.” The doctor asks others involved in healthcare to raise their voices in awareness and prevent suicides.